Anna Stuart is a bookish and eccentric lady, who has given up hope of ever finding a proper suitor. With her brother and aunt laying the blame on her shoulders, Anna believes that there's something wrong with her. However, when fate brings along Maximilian Montagu, an older but charming duke, she wonders if there is still hope for her... Could Anna find a way to the Duke's heart despite all their differences, age included? Maximilian Montagu, Duke of Manchester and distinguished scholar, has become a recluse after his late wife's passing. While he has already built a wall of thorns around his heart, his encounter with Anna will make him yearn for love again. However, there are things he cannot get past; their age difference and Anna's aunt and guardian who would condemn this romance. Will he fight for Anna, or will he compromise with being condemned to everlasting misery? Two soulmates desperate to escape an ill fate others chose for them... With each passing day, Anna and Maximilian feel inexplicably drawn to each other. However, internal doubts and threatening figures risk shattering everything they have dreamt of. Will Anna and Maximilian's unique connection be strong enough to fight everyone against them? Will they manage to save their dreams before everything turns to ashes?